REMEMBERING MY SHIPMATE

5/24/2019 – I received this email:

“Hi, you contacted my sister in 2012. I am so sorry for the years that have passed, but wondering if you still remember my uncle who died trying to save three shipmates who went overboard off the coast of Rhode Island?”

Needless to say, reading this stopped me in my tracks! My reply to her:

“Gone, but not forgotten. Your uncle was a great young man. The tragedy of that night remains a stark reminder of what our brave young men and women in uniform do to protect us and keep us safe every day. We had a Happy Ship. The friendships formed exceeded the positions each of us held. The memory of that night and next day still haunts me. The three Preston sailors who perished were my responsibility before I transferred to the USS Abbot (DD-619). Your note to me rekindled precious memories as we approach this Holiday. I am sending along the story I wrote about your heroic uncle and shipmates who made the ultimate sacrifice – ‘St. Patrick’s Eve Tragedy’ – which appears in my book, ‘The Rogue’s Road to Retirement.’ The photo of the whaleboat in which they perished was taken in the late summer of 1955 off Nova Scotia during an operation with the Brits and Canadians. Thank you for being in touch. Best, George”

Below is the link to this tale of patriotism, bravery and brotherhood.

https://redriderfi.wordpress.com/2016/03/15/st-patricks-eve-tragedy-blizzard-four-dead-31656/

Post-script: The young woman who contacted me read this story and sent the following reply:  “Thank you so much for your kind words about my uncle. The story is incredible, and I am sure there are many more where that one came from. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing with me. Thank you for your service and God bless you.”

This Memorial Day Weekend, take time to remember those who gave so much for us all. By telling their stories, we can keep their heroic deeds and memories alive. If you know a fallen military member’s story and it isn’t written down, take the time to write it and pass it down to the next generation. Fair winds and following seas, George